Once Bitten, Twice Shy

We all know the disclaimer.

Hermione sat there waiting for Remus to begin. She knew what this was partially about, him being a werewolf and all. Yet he seemed so nervous. What did he have to say that was so hard.

"Hermione," Remus began, "first let me say I'm sorry that you have to go through this. It's a burden that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Don't let that frighten you too much. I admit, this is going to be hard, but I'll help you get through it." He paused a few moments before continuing.

"Now, Dumbledore and I have been talking all afternoon about this and we have come to a decision that we think is best for everyone involved. You have two weeks until the next full moon. The week before that, we think you should spend it with me, at my cabin."

He held up a hand to stall her speaking when she opened her mouth.

"This week, you will stay here and go about your days as you normally would. Then, at the end of the week, you'll leave with me. That way I can prepare you for everything. Or try to anyway. Besides, you'll also need time to recover. It drains a lot of your strength. You're at your weakest after you change back. And there, we know you'll be safe."

Normally, he would have said that more gently or slower, but he'd known this young woman since she was 13 years old and knew she could handle the blunt truths, even if they were harsh. The hardest ones would come the week she spent at his house. There were something things that aren't written in any books.

Hermione sat back and let what he had said for a moment sink in. Leave Hogwarts? How could she do that? She'd get so far behind. "What about my studies?"

"You'll be able to do your work there. Albus is talking to the teachers now and they will have everything ready for you when it's time to go. And you'll be coming back after that. But for the first few months that it takes for the wolvesbane to actually start working, you'll have to come with me. It's the safest for everyone."

"I know I know. And I understand. It's just going to be hard. Not being here with everyone."

"I'm sorry about that. Trust me, things will get better. For now, why don't you lie down and get some more rest. I'll come back and see how things are going in a couple days."

She nodded to him and closed her eyes, falling asleep almost instantly. Remus studied her as she slept. Knew that's almost all she would do as her body adjusted to the changes it was going through. He placed his hand on top of hers and sighed deeply. She really was a very beautiful woman. He'd noticed that this past summer when she was staying at Grimmauld place, helping the Order out immensely with her research abilities.

She was the one that helped him after his transformations. Even during his "time of the month" as he called it, she was there. Oh, not in the same room, but just on the other side. She was the only one that had talked to him while he had to be locked away. He fell in love with her then. How was he going to cope having her to himself in the following weeks? Let alone knowing what happens the day before, during, and after the full moon.

Sighing again, he rose, and, laying a gentle kiss on her forehead he left her to her sleep.


A/N: Well, there you go, chapter 2. Hope you enjoy and thanks for the reviews. Much appreciated.